Ivanhoe School Board August 23 meeting

By Tammy Mathison
hendrickspioneer@gmail.com

The ISD 403 Ivanhoe School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Aug. 23.
Music Instructor Mrs. Deb Larson spoke to the board during the “opportunity for citizens to speak” portion of the meeting, informing the board that rather than having the students in shop build cabinets for her classroom as previously discussed, she has found cabinetry at Lowes to use for storage in her classroom. By purchasing the pre-made cabinets, this will cost less than having them built by about $300. Larson also suggested to the board that these same type cabinets would fit well in the area by the elevator to be used as storage, since the lack of storage in the building has been discussed. The board thanked her for her suggestion and will look into it further.

Margaret Swanson also spoke to the board and told them that the trophies had been boxed and put upstairs to be stored. Swanson also told the board that after the final count of attendees of the All–School Reunion that there were over 600 people. The initial report of over 500 was an estimate. The board thanked her for packing them away and for all that she did in regard to the All-School Reunion.

Principal Mortensen gave her report. The first day of school had gone well, policies had been gone over with faculty and students, citing having stressed the cell phone policy and the dress code. “Each student received a copy of the cell phone policy during registration; there is information on there for parents on how to help with this. The policy will be posted in classrooms and in the halls, so a student cannot say that they were not aware of the policy,” said Mortensen. She went on to say that cell phone boxes will be placed in classrooms so if a student forgets to leave their phone in their locker they can put it in the box. “If it goes off in the box, there will not be consequences. If it is on their person, there will be,” said Mortensen.

Mortensen also told the board that she went over the faculty handbook with the staff and they have come up with some changes for this year and next year’s handbook. Each board member had a copy of the handbook and later in the meeting the handbook was approved.

Mortensen said she had discussed the parent portal with the teachers and that the teachers will be updating the portal each Friday. “I should be able to pull up students’ grades at any time,” said Mortensen. Chairman Steve Citterman said that he was glad to hear this, as parents will be able to keep a better eye on their kids’ grades. “A parent should be notified if a grade is dropping,” said Steve.

Mortensen said that the parent/teacher conferences will also be changed. “We will have them in fall and winter, at six week increments, that way, if a student has a low grade, etc. this will give the parents a heads up and the student will still have time to get their grades up (before the end of the quarter),” said Mortensen. The winter conference will most likely take place in February.

Mortensen also informed the board that she had spoken with Lincoln HI Art Instructor Scott Hanson about painting murals on the walls by the athletic areas and doing other things on other walls that are removable to interchange and move pictures. “We are going to incorporate school spirit on the walls,” said Mortensen.

Mortensen also told the board that the school is looking at getting the Rebel Reporter going again and have been speaking with representatives at the papers as to cost, if there is any, and expectations. “There is a lot of interest,” said Mortensen, referring to students interested in working on the Rebel Reporter. Kali Lundberg, the new 7-12 English teacher, will be in charge of the Rebel Reporter and has been in contact with a journalism teacher from another school district. The Rebel Reporter will be an extracurricular activity.

Mortensen also spoke of class scheduling and some changes that have been made to the schedule. Music appreciation will be dropped and that time will be Band Instructor Andy Jensen’s prep and lesson time period. Additionally, according to Music Instructor Deb Larson, she and Andy Jensen are working together for their schedules. They have made the following change: every day, Monday through Friday, from 12:25-1 p.m. will be senior high band, with Larson having the non-band students in her choir room to work on ensembles, etc. From 1-1:35 will be choir. Jensen will keep the non-choir students in his band room. Larson said that this way, rather than having 70 minutes of class every other day, both of the music departments will have 35 minutes of full instruction and 35 minutes of small group or lesson time and homeroom time. The students will also get some free time. Other students who want lessons but are not in band or choir that hour can get lessons during seventh hour.

Mortensen also talked to the board about the new recovery math classes. These classes are for the students who did not pass the grad standard tests, or are at risk of not passing. She said that they broke apart the eighth grade algebra class and mixed them in with seventh graders to make smaller class sizes. “I would appreciate if you would keep an eye on our math program,” said Steve Citterman. “I certainly am,” replied Mortensen.

Superintendent Strand reported that with the Title I and II dollars, there is about $28,000 to support the recovery math and the Title II dollars will support Mortensen’s salary.

Homecoming was also discussed during the meeting. Mortensen said that she has been in contact with Lincoln HI Elementary regarding interaction between the high school students and elementary students during Homecoming Week, with the cheerleaders, volleyball and football players and royalty having lunch with elementary students on different days of the week. Homecoming will be Sept. 13–18, with the Homecoming game scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18. Family activities are being planned for that day, along with a Whopper Feed. The parade will be in Ivanhoe on Friday, Sept. 17. The board decided that there will be free admission to the Homecoming game.

Under personnel items, the board approved the 2010-2011 directors and activity advisors. Athletic director, Craig Midtaune; concession manager, Nancy Blanchette; vocal music director, Deb Larson; newspaper, Kali Ramberg; major plays, fall and spring and three-act plays, one-act play competition director, Scott Hanson; FFA advisor, Jon Schreurs; prom advisor, Nancy Blanchette; speech, Kali Ramberg; instrumental instructor, Andy Jensen.

Fall coaches: football, assistant coach, J. Beck; junior high, A. Panka; volleyball, assistant coach, E. Citterman; junior high, R. Johnson.

The board approved a science overload for Rusty Nelson and a lane change for MaryKay Lacek as she now has her masters degree in special ed.

A contract extension of one hour was given to Carol Wersal, and the board is looking a part-time para contract with an additional person.

The board also called for a General Election Resolution of School Board Members. Gene Panka, Steve Citterman and Marty Rost will all be up for re-election in November.

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